LITMIR.BIZ

This is a fascinating romp through the ranks of the pre-Socratic Philosophers; all seventeen of them presenting their different theories on the first principle, or starting point, of the origin of the universe (was it water or air, etc.). This is a common motif in the early Greek apologists. For instance, Pseudo-Justin, Cohort. ad Graec. 8 reads: «It is logical, then, since you cannot learn any religious truths from your own teachers, whose ignorance is evident to you from their contradictions, to turn to our [Christian] forefathers.» But the present work is outstanding for the presentations of the seventeen philosophers. Take chapter 18 as a sample: My soul up to now has busied itself with these concerns to get the measure of the universe. But Epicurus, leaning forward, says to me: "My friend, you have merely measured a single world, but there are many unlimited worlds. So, once more I am compelled to measure other heavens, other upper airs, and these are numerous. So, having gathered provisions sufficient for a few days, I will embark on a tour of the worlds of Epicurus. Entering a new world, just like entering another city, I will measure the whole in a few days. And from there I fly on to a third world, then a fourth, a fifth, a tenth, a twentieth, a thousandth, and so on." Doesn't this sound as modern as a news bulletin from the Aeronautical Satellite Space Center in the second half of the twentieth century? Judged by this two-tiered description of the early Christian apologetical enterprise, we can conclude that Hermias accomplishes something of a doxographical tour-de-force on the first part, but, as far as our surviving evidence goes, stops short of the second. To show disarray in the ranks of the philosophers, however, was the necessary clearing-ground in apologetics for the presentation of Christian revelation. It was also a useful school exercise for prospective philosophers and theologians in the school of Origen.

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John Goodwin (1593-1665), the eminent Puritan Arminian divine, was a man ahead of his time who lived in a turbulent era in which many principals, both theological and governmental, were subjects of controversy.
This new edition of Redemption Redeemed (originally published in 1651), provides a major refutation of the Calvinistic limited atonement doctrine. Goodwin has written an adversarial treatise in which he, step by step, examines the overwhelming scriptural and theological evidence supporting the idea that Christ died for all mankind. He also refutes the opposing arguments of his day and argues that God, through his grace, provides the opportunity for all people to be saved. The Methodist Quarterly Review noted: «Had Redemption Redeemed been his only publication, it should have been enough in itself to perpetuate his (Goodwin's) fame. Its great learning, clear reasoning, sound judgment, and admirable spirit, render it worthy of the study of the lovers of this glorious doctrine, and the name of its author is one which all Arminians should delight to honor. A volume so ably written, and going to the bottom of the controversy, could not in that polemical age fail to create a storm.»
In the contemporary period, as Christians enter the 21st Century and Calvinism with its disturbing implications is making a resurgence, Goodwin's masterful work is a welcome and much needed contribution to those seeking to understand the truths of God's word.

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Reflections on Biblical Themes by an Octogenarian represents the journey into faith by the author of the essays over the span of sixty years in the pastoral ministry and as a professor on college, university, and theological school levels. There has been a continuing growth in understanding from the beginnings of a rather conservative religious background and training to a more mature appreciation and understanding of life. This growth came about through the interchange in the classroom as a student in preparation for ministry, then as a pastor in the everyday work experience and interchange with parishioners and especially in the interchange with students in the classroom. This more mature understanding and growth is reflected in the essays presented in this volume on various themes as listed in the Table of Contents. It is hoped that they will be of value to lay persons and to professionals in the life of the church and in the academic world, and that they will stimulate thought and discussion in parishes and in institutions of higher learning. Some of the viewpoints may seem to be controversial, but how are we to grow intellectually and spiritually unless we wrestle seriously with the deep and profound questions of our faith and life? These reflections are offered with the hope and prayer that they will stimulate discussion and growth in the life of the church in both parish and academic settings.

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This book consists of a series of dialogues on the relationship between belief in God and the world of nature. One participant is a Christian who believes one can base belief in God on reason and science, one is a Christian who thinks looking for such a base is unnecessary and even undesirable, and the third is an atheist. As the argument goes back and forth, it touches on such topics as the origin of the universe, various alleged pieces of evidence for design, and the existence of laws of nature. The dialogues do not aim to "settle anything but rather to take readers far enough into an issue to understand some of its complexities and, hopefully, to set them thinking.

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In his Gospel, John presented Jesus as the Son of God by painting portraits, pictures, of him. The author of this volume displays twenty-nine of these portraits for us to look at and even study. The reader who observes these portraits carefully will come to know the Lord Jesus Christ in new and deeper ways. After each portrait is examined, there are applications for daily living and simple study questions drawn from the portrait. This book is all about Jesus the Living Word set forth in the Written Word and is intended for individual and group use.

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This volume of sermons is organized according to the Apostles' Creed, which expresses Davies's own solid faith as a Christian believer. But the sermons themselves apply to a variety of situations from history, psychology, and lore. Davies uses the intellect to touch and console the heart.

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A Tree Rooted in Faith traces the history of Queen of Angels Monastery from its beginnings in Maria-Rickenbach in Switzerland to the end of the twentieth century in Mt. Angel, Oregon. The foundress, Mother Bernardine Wachter, came to America as a missionary, first to Conception, Missouri, and then to the far west to establish a community of Benedictine Sisters. As she was joined by new recruits from Europe as well as American women, they built and staffed schools in Oregon and British Columbia. Based on community annals and individual memoirs, difficulties of their pioneer beginnings are related, along with adaptations of their prayer and community life to the new environment and to gradual developments in theology and spirituality. This story tells of the sisters' early work as teachers and of the gradual change in ministries as the needs of society and of the Catholic Church have evolved. The last quarter of the twentieth century saw drastic changes in American society and in the Catholic Church. Likewise, Queen of Angels Monastery has changed. Some basic ingredients of monastic life instilled by its founding mothers remain the same, while ministries and some aspects of lifestyle are different. Like their landmark giant Sequoia tree, Queen of Angels Monastery still stands firmly rooted in faith.

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Are you struggling with fully accepting that God loves you? If you or someone you know has suffered abuse, you are not alone. Abuse of women is a global problem. One out of every four Christian women suffers from physical, emotional, spiritual, economic, or sexual abuse. Women who have suffered abuse often find it difficult to experience God's love. Accepted in the Beloved is a Bible study that will help and encourage women who desire to know and experience God's love and acceptance, and will help equip pastors or pastoral caregivers to support and assist survivors of abuse. The six-lesson journey through Accepted in the Beloved will encourage healing, growth, and transformation. Each lesson includes three different sections: Learning God's Truth, to enlighten the mind through a study of the truths in God's word and to accurately illuminate the character of our loving Creator; Experiencing God, to encourage a deeper experience of God's presence through contemplative exercises that develop heart knowledge of God's truth and foster spiritual transformation; and Sharing God's Love, to encourage women to reach out beyond themselves as they apply what they have learned from the study to their lives and relationships. With an encouraging tone and transformative content, Accepted in the Beloved will help women find healing and wholeness in the love of the crucified Lord.

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Journal of Biblical and Pneumatological Research
VOLUME THREE FALL 2011
The Journal of Biblical and Pneumatological Research (JBPR) is a new international peer-reviewed academic serial dedicated to narratively and rhetorically minded exegesis of biblical and related texts. Potential topics include theological and pneumatological interpretation, the role of spiritual experience with authorial, canonical, and contemporary contexts, and the contextual activity of Ruach Yahweh, Ruach Elohim, and various identifications of the Holy Spirit. JBPR hopes to stimulate new thematic and narrative-critical exploration and discovery in both traditional and under-explored areas of research.
CONTENTS:
Editor's Overview of Volume 3 – 1
GALEN L. GOLDSMITH
The Cutting Edge of Prophetic Imagery
REBECCA SKAGGS and THOMAS DOYLE
The Audio/Visual Motif in the Apocalypse of John through the Lens of Rhetorical Analysis

DAVID SEAL
Sensitivity to Aural Elements of a Text: Some Acoustical Elements in Revelation

SIMO FRESTADIUS
The Spirit and Wisdom in 1 Corinthians 2:1-13
KEITH WHITT
Righteousness and Characteristics of Yahweh
VANTHANH NGUYEN, S.V.D.
Luke's Point of View of the Gentile Mission: The Test Case of Acts 11:1-18
LYLE STORY
Luke's Instructive Dynamics for Resolving Conflicts: The Jerusalem Council

Review of Christopher L. Carter, The Great Sermon Tradition as a Fiscal Framework in 1 Corinthians: Towards a Pauline Theology of Material Possessions (R. G. Dela Cruz)
Review of Robert P. Debelek, Jr., Hidden in Plain Sight: Esther and a Marginalized Hermeneutic (A. Kay Fountain)
Review of Richard Feldmeier, The First Letter of Peter: A Commentary on the Greek Text (Rebecca Skaggs and Thomas Doyle)
Review of Rodrigo J. Morales, The Spirit and the Restoration of Israel: New Exodus and New Creation Motifs in Galatians (James C. Miller)
Review of Robin Routledge, Old Testament Theology: A Thematic Approach (Andrew Davies)
Review of John C. Poirier, The Tongues of Angels: The Concept of Angelic Languages in Classical Jewish and Christian Texts (Russell P. Spittler)

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In the first century, the Thessalonian church grieved deaths in their community, endured harsh persecution, and struggled with questions about the future. Paul offered them the comforts and reassurances of hope in the Messiah Jesus. But he offered far more than wishful thinking or pie-in-the-sky comfort. Paul's emphasis on hope in the Messiah Jesus involved capturing a vision of God's redeemed and just future in order to see and live faithfully today. Paul did not believe in a passive hope, but an active hope where, if the Day of the Messiah is a beacon, believers set their course and diligently move toward it. That diligence is especially captured by love for Christian brothers and sisters, commitment to honest and productive work, and obedience to the truth of the gospel of Lord Messiah Jesus.

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